International studio (57.1915/1916)

Art Education in Egypt

designing. These three
designs are remarkable for
a wonderful richness and
harmony of colouring, and
it is satisfactory to know
that the production of rugs
and carpets is to be largely
developed. It is by their
sale to lovers of works of
art that the rising school
of Egyptian designers and
craftsmen seems most
likely to become known
not only in its own but
also in other countries. All
the designs here illustrated
are by students of the
Boulaq Technical School,
and have in some cases
been carried into execution.


DESIGN FOR A BOOK-COVER. BY A STUDENT OF THE BOULAQ TECHNICAL SCHOOL

It has often been noticed that, in the intercourse
between Western and Eastern races, superficial
observers on either side are apt to fasten upon the
less commendable qualities of the other as being
specially representative of the entire character of
the race. In artistic matters we find this peculiarity
exemplified in the case of rich Orientals who, on their
visits to Europe often admire and purchase objects
and supposed works of art in the most doubtful and
deplorable taste. That examples of this tendency

occur among Egyptians must not be taken as a
proof that they are incapable of good taste in
artistic matters, as is fully proved by the results
obtained in the Arts and Crafts section of the
Boulaq Technical School and other schools where
industrial arts are taught. Not only has the number
of students with individuality and good taste as
designers among those admitted to the school
been sufficiently large to encourage the Govern-
ment to continue and extend the artistic training,


DESIGN FOR WOVEN FABRIC. BY A STUDENT OF THE BOULAQ
TECHNICAL SCHOOL

but already in the short time during
which this training has been conducted
on sound lines by Mr. Stewart under the
direction of Mr. Wells the beginnings of
a distinctive school of Modern Egyptian
Design have emerged and show very great
promise for the future.
The success of the direct education
of art students may therefore be con-
sidered to be assured. A larger and a
far more difficult problem lies in the
artistic education of the Egyptian public,
which is essential if the trained designers
are to receive at the hands of their
fellow countrymen the appreciation they
so richly deserve. The methods by
which the Government attacks the latter
problem are, at present, help extended
to past students in finding employment,
the sale of objects of domestic utility
produced in the schools and annual
exhibitions of students’ work held in
Cairo.
For the results of their efforts in direct

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